Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #328034 in Books
• Published on: 2001-08
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 207 pages

Synopsis
Operant conditioning is a specific type of learning in which behaviors are altered or changed primarily by manipulating the consequences that follow them. Author Brenda Aloff uses the theory of operant conditioning and applies it to dog training in her informative book. Positive Reinforcement: Training a Dog in the Real World. Written by an experienced dog trainer in language that the novice can easily understand, this step-by-step guide to reliable obedience and effective training methods is based on the belief that the best way to teach your dog appropriate behavior is to use positive reinforcement instead of punishment.

Customer Reviews

The HOW in dog training!
I have read many books on dog training - most of which make it appear simple - even use diagrams - but don't tell you HOW to get you dog to work RELIABLY and CONSISTENTLY in different environments with a multitude of distractions. This book does precisely that - showing you precisely how to elicit desired behaviours using reward markers and non-reward markers. It also provides suggested training schedules - and explains the importance of shaping behaviour and generalisation. It includes a very amusing "training game" (to be played by humans) in which one person plays the dog and the rest of the "players" try to elicit the desired behaviour. This really teaches you about training from the dogs point of you and emphasises the importance of timing rewards correctly!

A really interesting and practical book.

The Best Dog Training Book I've Ever Read
This is a book any and every one involved in the training of dogs should read - in my view Brenda Aloff is currently the best writer on this subject in the US.

The author is characteristically modest and forthright - she doesn't claim to have won lots of prizes exhibiting dogs, and keeps her animals primarily as pets. Yet her text is not only authoritative (she's certainly done her homework) but is also highly practical, being based on Aloff's many years working as a remedial dog trainer.

The text is clearly written and laid out in an easy-to-access plan, and the explanations she provides are both credible and easy to understand.

Aloff acknowledges her debt to William E. Campbell, and takes contemporary behavioural training to a new level, with an acute observational skill that enables her to provide a clear analysis of what to look for in presenting behaviours, and what to aim for when setting out a training programme.

Also check out her other books: Aggression in Dogs ; and Canine Body Language.